The family of John Percin Jr., the West Linn grad who died last summer fighting wildfires in Arizona, has filed a pair of wrongful death claims against the state of Arizona and several other entities for a total of $35 million, according to documents obtained by The Oregonian.

The claims, filed separately by Percin’s parents and on behalf of Percin’s 5-year-old daughter, allege that the 24-year-old’s death could have been prevented.

Here's a selection of Lake Oswego and West Linn stories from around the web:

Lake Oswego boy aims to stop elephant poaching with "Happy Tusk"

Harper Graham-Nye created the designs by manipulating Julien Polet's photographs.

While visiting Tanzania last summer, Harper Graham-Nye became frustrated.

The country, located on Africa's east coast, has seen a 65 percent decline in its elephant population because of poaching.

Now, the Lake Oswego boy is determined to do something about it. Through Happy Tusk, a new nonprofit he's helped create, Graham-Nye seeks to donate profits from the sale of wildlife-themed merchandise to help conservation efforts. (The Oregonian)

Native gardening in West Linn

Take a peek inside the garden of West Linn's Lory Duralia. She mixes native plantings into a home environment that cherishes and showcases re-used materials. (The Oregonian)

Tree limb removal will delay Lake Oswego traffic in coming weeks

The Oregon Department of Transportation will be removing tree limbs over part of Oregon Highway 43 for the next several weeks starting next Monday. Work will affect the area between McVey Avenue and S.W. Laurel Street in Lake Oswego, as well as the shared-use path that runs parallel to the highway. The work requires traffic to stop for up to 15 minutes at a time. (The Oregonian)

Lake Oswego dancers place first in state dance and drill tournament

“It was the most amazing feeling in the world,” says senior captain Sophie Blauer. “With nine seniors on the team this year we were so determined to deliver a routine that was stronger than last year’s." (The Oregonian)

Lake Oswego alternative fiber company Crailar raises more than $3.14 million in private placement

Crailar Technologies Inc., a Victoria, B.C.,-based company with U.S. headquarters in Lake Oswego, said Wednesday it had completed a non-brokered private placement that raised gross proceeds of $3,143,750.

Crailar, which developed and markets a textile made from flax, rather than cotton, said it would use net proceeds from the placement to fund its capital program and for general corporate purposes. (The Oregonian)

Lakeridge Junior High student's play earns runner up in national contest

Chloe Rust's play, "Bullies Anonymous," has been recognized as runner up in a national Theatre for Young Audiences USA competition that sheds light on bullying. Rust, an eighth grader from Lakeridge Junior High School, participated in last year’s Bully Project and came in third. (Lake Oswego Review)

West Linn launches survey on future of Bolton area

Respondents to the the survey are asked to rank the importance of increased development density, car- or pedestrian-friendly design, retail activity and more in the area, which is undergoing a master plan update. The survey is available through the city's website. (The Oregonian)